Northern Trail ex New York

Itinerary

Day 1-3, New York, Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls & Ohio

We cross the Hudson River and leave New York City, passing through the scenic Finger Lakes region and on to Niagara Falls for the dramatic Maid of the Mist boat ride at the base of the falls.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 4-5, Chicago

Our next stop is Chicago - the "Windy City", home of North America's tallest building, the Sears Tower, and some of the greatest blues music in America.Accommodation: 2 nights Chicago hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 6-9, Minnesota, South Dakota & Badlands National Park

Next, we'll traverse the great prairies that were once America's western frontier, crossing North America's two longest rivers, the mighty Mississippi and the Missouri. In South Dakota, we visit Badlands National Park and the famous Black Hills. This land is sacred Sioux Indian Country; with Oglala, Lakota and Dakota Indians living nearby.See the uniquely sculptured faces of four presidents on Mount Rushmore and witness a majestic work in progress - the Crazy Horse Monument, being built to commemorate one of the greatest chiefs of the Sioux.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 10-11, Yellowstone National Park

Next, it is into Wyoming, the heart of cowboy country, and home to everyone's favourite, Yellowstone National Park. View explosive geysers and colourful waterfalls while exploring the world's oldest and most famous national park. Keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife. Large herds of bison and elk roam the park and bears and wolves are also present.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 12-13, Jackson, Idaho & Nevada

Nearby Grand Teton National Park offers more spectacular scenery and great hiking before a stop in Jackson, a truly western town. Experience the raging waters of the Snake, one of America's last great untamed rivers, on an optional whitewater rafting trip by day and try a shot of "redeye" in the Silver Dollar Saloon by night.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 14-16, Lake Tahoe & Yosemite National Park

California is calling: sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe or try your luck in Caesar's Palace Casino before we head to beautiful Yosemite National Park, a photographer's paradise. Hike to one of the magnificent waterfalls or hire a bicycle to pedal along the park roads. Float down the Merced River, or go horseback riding in the meadows.Accommodation: Camping included

Day 17-18, San Francisco

Then, on to San Francisco "Everybody's Favourite City" with its endless options: walk or mountain bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars up and down the fabled, steep streets, view the Bay and Alcatraz from the ferry boat ride or Fishermans Wharf, shop in Chinatown and Union Square, and experience the varied nightlife in North Beach or Haight-Ashbury!Accommodation: 2 nights San Francisco hotel approx US$45 pppn in multi-share rooms paid locally.

Day 19-21, Monterey, Pacific Coast & Los Angeles

Southwards via the Monterey Peninsula, along US Highway 1 - the Pacific Coast Highway - to Los Angeles where a visit to Universal Studios and a tour of Hollywood bring this fabulous "coast to coast" journey to an end.Accommodation: Camping includedTour ends at 18:00 hrs in Los Angeles on day 21Flexible Night StopsThe itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance travelled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions.